An Empath’s Best Protection Against Energy Vampires

Are you in a relationship with an energy vampire? Fully 20 percent of all people (male and female) have vampire characteristics or are full-blown Cluster Bs. That’s one in five people! And, each one of them affects five people. So, with nearly 60 million people directly or indirectly affected by energy vampires, it is likely that you are in a relationship with one or know someone who is – especially if you are an empath or highly sensitive person.

The energy vampire in your life could be a parent, a colleague or even someone you consider to be a friend. But, unless you have been threatened by an energy vampire, you may not even realize you are dealing with one because they can be very charming when they are love-bombing you. That is until they come after you.

Soon, you are blindsided with insults, being shamed — for your social status, body size, age, income level, how you talk or where you come from — and even abused. Energy vampires also can become moody and distant, so you walk on eggshells, expending even more of your energy while praising and admiring them just to keep the peace. This can negatively affect your self-esteem to the point where you believe something is inherently wrong with you.

And, of course, living with the constant stress and low self-esteem created by the energy vampire can lead to chronic inflammation at a cellular level, due to consistently high levels of cortisol running through your body. This, in turn, encourages you to indulge in other behaviors – such as poor dietary choices or even alcohol or drugs – that further increase cellular inflammation and can lead to disease. In fact, many empaths don’t realize that an energy vampire is sucking the life out of them until they become physically ill.

The good news is that the mental health profession and society in general are finally getting up to speed on how these energy suckers work. There are identifiable personality traits and common manipulation tactics that, when recognized, will “out” an energy vampire. When you see these qualities, you can learn to protect yourself.

10 Strategies For Protecting Yourself Against Energy Vampires

If you are in a relationship with an energy vampire, you need to know how to protect yourself. And make no mistake, self-protection should be your primary goal when dealing with energy vampires, especially if the energy vampire is a family member, colleague or close friend and you are not able to limit contact right away.

Here are some strategies to help you protect yourself from energy vampires:

Realize they exist. Most people who are in relationships with energy vampires are empaths. We empaths believe that everyone is good and often will stay in a toxic relationship too long while making excuses for an energy vampire. We don’t want to admit they are really in it for themselves and lack empathy so they don’t care about you. Ouch! Realizing that there are some people who are not good will help you protect yourself.

Keep a gut instincts journal. Empaths are highly intuitive. But, after many years with an energy vampire, you can lose the ability to believe what you feel. One way you can start to re-trust your gut is to keep a Gut Instincts Journal. Pay attention to what your gut says about a person. For example, does the person engage in risky behavior or threaten self-injury? Does he or she lie, cheat, or have recurring problems with the law? Then keep track of how situations play out. Even if your vampire is compelling and charming, don’t talk yourself out of your gut instincts about a person. Be sure to pay attention to how they treat ALL of the people they encounter, such as a waitress at your local restaurant, or an entry-level employee.

Find a reality-check friend. Be sure to have a clearheaded and trustworthy contact with “vampire radar” whom you can reach out to when you are feeling uncertain. Often this is a good friend who knows you well and who hasn’t been taken in by your vampire. Call this person whenever you’re feeling unsure about a situation.

Put yourself first. Energy vampires will fight for control. They can also be angry and manipulative, or often passive aggressive. And, they are great at “splitting behaviors” – or pitting one person against the next. When you encounter these qualities, take a step back (or out of the room or building) and remember that you were meant to live a joyful life in which your needs and feelings count too. Then, pledge allegiance to yourself. You can say “I pledge allegiance to myself and to my soul for which I stand. I honor my goodness, my gifts, and my talent. I commit to remaining loyal to myself from this moment forward for all of my days.”

Pat yourself on the back regularly. Most empaths give others far too much credit and deflect praise for their own contributions which we tend to downplay. Instead, pat yourself on the back regularly for who you are and for what you do well.

Say “no.” One of the best ways to protect yourself is to minimize your interactions with a vampire. You can do this by becoming “empowered in the negative.” In other words, learn how to turn people down. Saying “no” takes practice. And, it’s all about compassion, which as an empath, you have plenty of. If you find it too difficult to say “no” at first, start by saying, “I’ll get back to you.” The main thing you need to master is stopping the knee-jerk “yes.”

Get support. When you finally “get it” about energy vampires, you will need support – and not just from your reality-check friend. A psychotherapist who specializes in narcissistic abuse recovery can be invaluable in these situations. There are also narcissistic abuse recovery groups. If you haven’t completely split from your vampire relationship, find a couples therapist who knows how to deal with character-disordered individuals.

Prioritize quality time with yourself. Take 15-20 minutes per day just for yourself and do something that supports your well-being. You can choose to meditate, take a long luxurious bath, or spend time walking in nature. Visualize all of the negative energy you have mopped up from others draining from your body. Then, use some time to process your own emotions and get back in touch with your center – the real driver of your actions.

Set boundaries. Whether it’s with social media, the news or your everyday
relationships, setting boundaries is essential to your overall health and wellbeing (especially as an empath). Limit your screen time, read books that make you happy, and listen to the news in small increments only. And remember, even though you have an impulse to help everyone, you can’t do it all. If a friend wants to complain, vent, or process a recent breakup or loss, let them know you have a little time for them, but set a limit that makes sense for both of you – and then get back to your own life, adding in some extra self-care to help you let go of their energy.

Take inventory of your relationships. The people you spend time with should fill you up, not drain you. If you know someone who sucks your energy just by virtue of their presence, beware. You could be dealing with an energy vampire. Energy vampires often have little conscience or consideration for others – which means you’ll never get the reciprocation that comprises the foundation of other healthy relationships. Steer clear.

As an empath, you are here to anchor the light. And, the light of an empath is always grounded in love, compassion and service, not self-sacrifice and martyrdom. When you love yourself first, you stand as the light. This shows energy vampires that you are not available to be their prey. And, you make it safer for others to do the same.

Christiane Northrup, M.D., is a visionary pioneer and a leading authority in the field of women’s health and wellness. Recognizing the unity of body, mind, and spirit, she empowers women to trust their inner wisdom, their connection with Source, and their ability to truly flourish.

Comments

Thank your your article on energy vampires because I allowed myself to be subjected for 2 1/2 years thinking this man would change.
I felt I was to blame for everything that was wrong with our relationship. I stuck for myself or so I thought but it has taken a toll on me! Now he is gone much to my relief. I will think twice
about becoming involved with anyone else for a long time! Im angry with him a d myself.

Thank you Dr Northrop for your wisdom and insights into “EV’s/Narcissistic behaviour. I can relate to ALL of it. It took over a decade to finally wake up to the reality of my situation in dealing with the ‘stuff’ from a controlling husband. Confusion reigned all the way through…he would say one thing, and in the next breath deny it and accuse me of imagining things. I began to question my memory, and doubt myself. Worst of all – I lost ME – the person I used to be and was resigned to becoming a zombie merely to avoid confrontation in the home and to keep the peace. His description of me eventually began to amuse me because I could see clearly he was actually describing himself, and didn’t know it. It took one nasty confrontation to send me online to try and figure out what the hell I was dealing with? I found a you tube video re Narcissists and the light bulb flashed.

That was 5yrs ago now and the tables have turned. I’ve learned how to manage living under the same roof completely separate from him. Trapped financially, but still looking for ways to get out even though things are running smoothly these days. An offer from a friend to house sit for 3 months while she visited o/seas was the turning point in 2014. I returned home after that time and took a deep breath and told him I was no longer afraid of him, I was not going to put up with his intimidation and bullying any more and that I didn’t have to live in the house as I had other places to stay (that last statement was pure BLUFF!!) He was stunned. It wasn’t easy to stick to that newly discovered inner strength, but I knew I had to or I would lose all that I’d regained within myself.

Ignoring him drives him insane and he is then forced to be nice to me to get my attention.
He hates that since the house sitting began (and has grown outa sight by word of mouth since) I am making many new friends. He has none!! He has learned that he needs me more than I need him and is now afraid that I actually will leave and he will be alone. There are many other little things that have changed since standing my ground and I will never allow myself to be drained of spirit by someone ever again.

I sincerely hope that others stuck in a marriage with this type find their own way of dealing with it. Never engage or indulge with those egotistical energy suckers…ignoring and not responding to the jibes, attention seeking worked for me. Act as though you don’t care…be emotionally distant and he is likely to come crawling when he realises you might be his only ‘friend’ (this may not work with a younger man, but we are 70plus so his chances of finding another woman to tolerate him are greatly lessened.) Not to mention also that his health is failing now too and mine is just great, so I’m lucky in that.

First off thanks for your blogs!!!!
I am 62 years young and am loving my 6 year status as a newlywed. Ben is 6 years younger and his teen sons are 14&15. My 2 sons are 35 and 33. My older son has a 13 yr old step daughter and two bio daughters 4 and 1. I was married 27 years to a huge energy vampire. I recognized that he was a combination of both my parents and although I went through the depths of hell with him….I embraced the choice to stay with him as we raised our sons. I knew I was working out issues of my own childhood by absorbing both my sons sense of wonder. My parents have never met my sons or grandchildren. My vampire mother died 2000 and my father found a wonderful woman and married her 2004. She brings out the best in him and I have forgiven him his discretions but thankfully he’s on east coast and I’m N Idaho.
I left my first husband 2009 and have only allowed goodness into my circle. Although, I 2nd guess why did I choose to raise teen boys again (their mom is in pict) I am sure that I’m working out how to co parent properly.
I could go on and on but I just wanted to comment for your readers how right you are!
Namaste

I learned about energy vampires over a year ago from Dr. Northrup”s wonderful book “Dodging Energy Vampires” and knew that I had to get out of my 23 year marriage or my auto immune disease would never get better. However, at the same time my husband became very ill and now, one year later I am still in the relationship and fighting for my sanity. His condition went undiagnosed for over a year, but in a month he will have major surgery. I could not leave him in the very sad condition that he is in and now he and his family expect me to do everything for him. I am 72 years old and have been crying for a very long time now. I feel like an animal trapped in a “have a heart” cage. Thank you Dr. Northrop for opening my eyes to my situation and at least giving me courage to stand up for myself.

Oh goodness yes, my younger daughter. Sweet child, overly sensitive youngster, depressed age 6, self absorbed, turned into Mr. Hyde age 14. I survived via therapy, AlAnon, loving husband and friends. She did 5 years Army, then college and law school, came back to me 2011. After 7 difficult years I put her out September 2018. Protective mechanism to block her nagative energy helps as well as firm boundaries. She is 36 now, 2400 miles away and I limit contact.

When your energy vampire is your mother and your dad has finally moved in with your sister because she is literally sucking the life out of him(he has transfusion dependent anemia) and now she is my problem…what can I do??? She has always been this way but is definitely getting worse as she ages. So emotionally abusive to the people who have stuck by her and cared for her, including my Dad, my sister, my husband and even my kids. She is too toxic to live with us and she is furious with my Dad for having failing health. I’m a physician and the mother of 5 kids so I’m very happy to care for others but she is exhausting and I don’t know how I am going to handle this longterm. Any advice????

I’m the reality check for a friend who is severing a relationship with one. I find myself learning how to detach from the emotions and energies of her conversations as she works slowly to disengage from the vampire.

Not all energy vampires are abusive in the ways articles describe. Half of your description is just off. I know. I’m an empath and I am the caregiver for an energy vampire, my mother. She has Parkinson’s and early onset dementia. So she can’t remember that I’ve asked her not to come to my room to tell me what she saw on the news, or not to call me to tell me about something funny she saw on TV, or to not call on me after a certain hour to record some program she wants to watch later on because she’s intruding in my me time, not to call me unless it’s something important that she needs help with. key word important, like about health or food or medicine. No matter how many times I ask, she always forgets and calls me in the middle of my errand or whatever I’m doing so that I can watch some stupid show or person on TV or so that I can see that this celebrity is doing this or that. She can’t live with any of my other family members because they’ve already ended up sick. Heck, one of my sisters is also an energy vampire and doesn’t know it. Put the two of them together and they both start to feel sick. Can’t just put her in a nursing home. We can’t afford it. Besides, now I understand why there is abuse in those places. I’m sure many of them don’t realize why they get upset at those old cantankerous old folks. I know what I’m dealing with and it’s still hard on me. Half the people that teach and talk about staying away from energy vampires have no clue what to do when you have no choice but to take care of one. Being an empath sucks. You feel everything. I know when she’s upset and that’s hard to block. All my life I’ve stayed away from such people, and here the universe puts one right in my home. Maybe an empaths job is to learn to live close to them, not to run away.

Fran, ignoring your requests *is* abuse. Your mother’s draining behaviour is (from what you’ve said) coming from her illness, though. Unless she was always self-absorbed, and she’s just gotten worse with the onset of dementia… When we’ve been raised by narcissists, we have a higher level of tolerance for abuse than people who were taught (and allowed to have) healthy boundaries. I didn’t even know what boundaries were until a few years ago, and I’m almost sixty. I was the scapegoat in our family, and have been carrying their projected stuff my whole life – and I was always sick too. Now I’m clearing it, and I can’t believe how much I have attached to me. Beverly Engel mentions negative introjects in her book, Healing Your Emotional Self, and that was the hidden piece of the puzzle for me, as I’ve been working on healing myself for decades and there was that one thing that eluded me.

I feel for you… Staying true to yourself as much as you can, even when your mother is acting out, is a great thing.

Maybe. Depends on what one means by energy vampire. I’ve been close to a few so vicious I’d put them anyplace else rather than deal with them. Why? Cause it’s necessary for my health and also, when they have to deal nicer,these chameleons will. They will survive. I suspect you are not a real empath and she isn’t a real vampire – she’s a sick and demented old woman who needs your help. You don’t mention a thing about abuse on her part – that’s the piece missing here. Get some respite care for yourself and take a break.

I just purchased the audio book – thank you so much for providing this format! I was married to an Energy Vampire – and now I have to co-parent two children with him until they are at least 18 – still have 11 years to go, and some people say you are never done with your children’s other parent, because even after they are 18 you still have to see them at social events for the children, etc. My ex-husband was abusive both verbally and physically. And a huge gas-lighter. Made me question myself for sure. It took a huge amount of strength and a lot of money to get away from him and divorce him after 13 years of marriage and two kids. Thank God I had the support of my family and friends, who never suspected this was going on until I told them. He was very charismatic, and everybody “loved” him. He still is abusive whenever he gets a chance – when we have to exchange kids. I sometimes let my guard down, but after a recent incident, I realize I must always be vigilant and take steps to protect myself – always meeting in a public place, always communicating via text, not phone calls. I am actually looking into this Family Wizard program to see if that will help. We have been divorced for four years now, and he has not let up. He has rage inside of him toward me that is very scary. On a somewhat lighter note, I have also recently called it off with a guy who I was seeing who I really liked – handsome and charismatic, exciting, so much in common with me, truly charming, but who does not want a “relationship.” He continues to contact me but offers me less and less – he used to take me out on fun and exciting dates, but now he only calls me for companionship and sex. It has been going on for about 2 years now. I realize that since I want honesty and a true companion who will love me and cherish me for who I am, who will lift me up instead of draining my energy and using me for attention and sex, this is not the guy for me, even though I want to believe he will one day see how special I am. I want to believe he is a good person, but deep down I know he is flawed for whatever reason. He has a hole where his heart should be. I don’t think he is malicious, but I am not sure sometimes. He is very manipulative and definitely shows some narcissistic behaviors. At any rate, I have called it quits with him and have blocked him on my phone and on social media. I am ready for healing. I want to be honest with myself and as you describe, pledge allegiance to myself and my soul. Thank you for writing this book! I don’t like to focus on the negative, but I am looking forward to learning to recognize and protect my empath self from this type of person.

Good for you! I’m so proud of you even though I don’t know you. You should give yourself a huge pat on the back for recognizing this and then stopping what many people experience as a continuous cycle that never ends. Your story is inspiring for many. It took me many years to develop what I call my “zero tolerance” policy, and sometimes I catch myself giving in. It’s not about how long it takes to get there, but that you got there. Once all of us are there, the vibration of the human race can finally ascend to lighter and higher vibrations, which is what the universe wants for humanity. The key is to be patient and kind to each other, and not give up hope, faith, and trust in whatever your higher power is to you, and in each other. We are connected on a cellular level, so we are only as strong as our weakest link. Never give up! Thanks for sharing your story and thank you Dr Northrup for posting this at a critical time when I needed a reminder. My guides never steer me wrong and I highly respect your work.

I so appreciate the little bit of your webinar that I heard today – I didn’t get a chance to ask a question and I’m wondering if I might post my question now? It has to do with our wonderful 83-year old mother who has entered a new phase of life filled with cognitive challenges and big memory problems, plus she lost her husband recently and due to anxiety/memory had to move to assisted living. Through all of the difficulties she’s experiencing and life challenges and changes – she’s become extremely needy and very much an energy vampire to her children and some grandchildren. My main question is – how do we deal with an energy vampire that can’t remember – why she’s not living at home any longer and why she can’t drive, etc. Thank you for the light you shine in the darker areas of our world!

I am married to one for 41 years now and have dozens of health issues…. so what am I supposed to do divorce him now? I realize it is mostly him and that he has been sucking the life out of me for years now but again do you need to divorce or as your book seems to state- have not read yet- you can learn to protect yourself from this? I have been surrounded by these people from min born. My mother huge one, then my husband, and multiple people in my life.I have disconnected or stopped being with most of them, but how do you drop your mother or husband? Please advise, aged beyond my age and dying with health issue, thank you D

I am in the same situation. You must get out to save yourself. I sit here today packing my life up with no job, no family, no emotional support but my faith. I have been seriously ill for three years and still not well. I will never get well staying here. The shame of being in this is humiliating….he will not leave because he is using my love and kindnesses to thrive. I am in my sixties. Age has nothing to do with the arrival of the truth! They are hoping you will remain: unconscious, compromised, living a delusion . Is this going to hard? Every minute; however, I can’t stand in this any longer or else I am already dead.

Your courage will not go unrewarded. The hardest steps we must take in life reap us the most benefits in the end. You are not alone. I also lack family and it is very very difficult for me to consider leaving a man who has been my rock but actually is the hammer swinging down on my head if I allow him to do so. He has strangely been an amazing teaching tool and after a lifetime of being surrounded by narcissists, from my mother to my bosses to my intimate relationships, I am learning finally to say No More. I am setting my boundaries and he is not liking it very much. It wouldn’t surprise me if he leaves me when all is said and done. My mom used to put salt in the doorways of her house to keep the evil spirits at bay, instead, now I am just saying NO.

Leaving him at this time of my life is simply unbelievable to me, but that’s what I’m doing. Thanks all for sharing. Amelia I’d love to know how you’re doing now. I’m in the same situation — no family, not one single friend (and I had a few good friends when I married him). I was gainfully employed, strong then, with lots of energy to spare for those I loved — there were so many then. I drew strength from them because they honestly cared for me, cuz we could laugh at life’s absurdities and move on.

I’ve never understood what happened to me, when I started to lose my vitality, youth and the all-important faith and hope I once had for us. I’ve worked to connect with him, but it did me no good, he did not care about anyone but himself. I read much/did much to change myself to save “our” marriage. Now I know it was only ever my marriage, not his and not something we shared. But those changes weren’t for nothing. I have no hope to find new friends or a male companion. I have hope for nothing. At 60, I’m in physical pain daily, from stomach craps to back aches to blinding headaches and endless noise in my head (tinnitus). Yes I’m living a crappy empty life right now, my hope though is this ending will lead me to renewal — a chance to know me again and to relax at peace just once more having left him in the dust and smoke he creates to stoke his need for the drama that relieves his endless boredom and loneliness. My one wish: I do wish I had a friend or two to help when the going gets tough. Leaving is much easier than what’s ahead of me but that’s still better than living daily with his selfish dramas, telling me who I am, telling me what I “really” think and all the rest of the bullsh. Still I say, God help me please. Let this not be reality, let my views be distorted and maybe there’s a pill a could take to get over the enervating pill I stupidly married.

Learning what you did was worth all the work. Never be afraid to be alone, to be with yourself is a blessing. You can always meet someone, it is never too late. I met a man at 75, but I see that he needs way too much involvement than I do, too much attention and I am wondering that maybe he is a nice vampire. I am listening to myself and setting boundaries. I am thankful I live in a
different country and see him only when I visit, but I am making changes about how much I will see him. I realize how wonderful it is to be by myself. One has to take care of oneself even with friends and family. Everyone seems to have their own agenda. We need to practice awareness and become able to take care of ourselves in a healthy way.

SuzanneLW, Wow… I could have written both Amelia and your comments myself. I am also in my sixties and I wonder how she’s doing and you too. I know each other’s support and knowledge can be invaluable in these situations where we are so alone in the world. Do you know if there is another way that we can exchange emails? I have no interest in facebook, but find it frustrating knowing we are out there, but can’t really connect.

Hang in their ladies, removing yourselves from abusive people will only create a beautiful new journey for your life. Take time out and get to know yourselves and dedicated your life to creating a blueprint of a fun and laughter in your new life.
Be excited and tried not to dwell on the madness in others ppl’s behavior. See the light in you..blessing and peace

Love you. Your words hit me like a slegehammer. I was seeking g the words and the phrases. You are more free than you know. By the way take as much money as you can and once settled into a place go out abd have all the things gs that make you feel good and pretty. Such as facials massage and a short holiday then buy tons of healthy organic food. Well done. Please write some more. ElyseAnne.

I divorced my husband of 38 years after realizing that my poor health was a result of the constant stress I was living under. I woke up one morning after feeling totally empty and surrounded by darkness and I realized I would not have the happily ever after marriage with this man. I packed my bags and left. I have been divorced for two years now and am never sick, have the support of many friends and my children and grandchildren around me. We live is a small community but I never see him and when you leave a narcissist you find that you are dead in their eyes and they start looking for another source.

Oh, how I wish I had known this information 15 years ago… I finally figured it out on my own that I had to just sever ties with my ex-husband (by getting a “no-trespass” order last year) in order to get free from his manipulations. Listening to your interviews on Hay House Radio, especially with Melanie Tonia Evans, I felt the women on the calls were describing my own situation. My children have suffered over the years as well – two of them have chosen to exclude him from their lives, too – but now I feel I have some tools to teach them how to handle their relationship with their father. Thank you.

I watched the 3 first videos of the free video wellness workshop, but the 4th has been list to me. I’v been trying the last 5-7 days and before that it just said coming soon.
And since I cant aford the course right now any way Im kind of desperate for the last video. I just get rerouted. And yesterday I did a quis from the newsletter here, and in the email with the resultat there was also a link to the video, but there I got rerouted aswell.

I feel the importans of the video so that I get a few copingmechanism untill I have a chanse to save up.

It was so spot on. Even the thing where phones and divices, how theres always problems with them. Even during watching the videos it was even more obvious ☺️

Thank you so much for this remarkable and life altering work, Dr. Northrup. I have struggled with a series of these relationships for my entire life. I am divorced from an energy vampire and have a 15 year old son, whom I have poured my life into especially because of a severe allergic condition he has had since infancy, and his acute sensitivites. He is wonderful but difficult. I have watched him grow increasingly unkind, deceptive, and self-centered, though I have done everything possible to help him to feel safe, confident, supported and securely attached. All this has been tremendously eye-opening for me. Our relationship has been strained lately, and he now spends more time with his father. While I understand healthy teens often display narcissistic behavior, my concern is that my son may be on the same road to Vampire. What do you suggest for empath mothers to best manage and guide a teenage boy towards balance and good health?

Hey Christiane I being following your 4 free video last week, unfortunately I couldn’t afford to pay for your online course but l being reading your books which is helping me a lot. I have an employee female 32 years old single mom, which has a tremendous Vampire Energy. She uses her charming to manipulate my partner a male 59 years old. They became very connected with each other and he seems to be obsess with her any mistakes she does at work he except seems that he is blind over her charming and attention. She always cause issues between me and my partner he always support her all the ways. I am learning how to protect myself from her and him also because they both brings me bad energy. When she is not working he is a different person but soon as he sees her her his moods change. He does over protect her because she allows it they became best friend so close to each other that is proving to me that they have a vampire energy. What and how should I protect and act when they work together on my presence.

Hello Christine, I have a question. How does law of attraction work with attracting EV into our lives and keeping them in our lives? Doesn’t it mean I have been creating and bringing them into my life all along?

I have been dealing with GUILT for over 20 years of my life. That is how I have been controlled to stay in place. Since last few months I have started taking my power back however, I still feel guilt even for the simplest thing like getting irritated.
I am not expected to be the one expressing anger or irritation or frustration. I have always been the kind one. But now when I do speak my mind it is used against me in front of my kids. I feel this is a game that is played with me in it such that it affects my kids. All these years I was blamed for making him angry and now I am blamed that I dont care for my kids and I now get angry and show frustration!! My child also sometimes sides his father and that is more heartbreaking because I feel that no one understands me.

I have been listening to Abraham a whole lot and have tried to find a way to create better days for me and I have succeeded to an extent but I just dont know how I will survive with my children being manipulated too!! please help. I have preordered your book after listening to the Tapping summit and the 4 videos and your webinar yesterday. Am really looking for some guidance and help. -R

As an empath raised by 2 narcissists, I definitely learned how to put others’ needs before my own, all my life. A well-educated and independent entrepreneur, I definitely exhibit “super traits” and therefore would consistently attract energy vampires into my energetic field, due to past imprinting.
I was finally able to break that pattern, by using these 3 tactics:
1. I focused on how my BODY felt.
2. I focused on the ACTIONS, not words.
3. I TURNED the tables. I showed “need” to see if the vampire would support me. Guess what: this causes them to leave! They don’t give.
If someone won’t give to you what they expect from you, the relationship is one-sided and that sucks the life out of you, ergo it’s a vampire.

Thank you so much for this remarkable and life altering work, Dr. Northrup. I have struggled with a series of these relationships for my entire life. I am divorced from an energy vampire and have a 15 year old son, whom I have poured my life into especially because of a severe allergic condition he has had since infancy, and his acute sensitivites. He is wonderful but difficult. I have watched him grow increasingly unkind, deceptive, and self-centered, though I have done everything possible to help him to feel safe, confident, supported and securely attached. All this has been tremendously eye-opening for me. Our relationship has been strained lately, and he now spends more time with his father. While I understand healthy teens often display narcissistic behavior, my concern is that my son may be on the same road to Vampire. What do you suggest for empath mothers to best manage and guide a teenage boy towards balance and good health?

Genius! This is so helpful. Thank you! I have a very close friend who has been 111% giving, generous, kind, supportive and available a lot to connect and has allowed me to live in her home 3 months last year to care for her 5 animals and care for her crystal clean home while she and her family were out of town…the funny thing is, when I asked for what I actually need, versus her giving me what she thought I needed, then she became angry, and dismissive, and unable to communicate further, followed by being punitive and breaking an agreement we had. I am feeling so clear and strong, so supportive of my true knowing, trusting my sense of genuine care for us both. I let go. I am free, knowing I was honest, caring for both our feelings, mutually respectful, and I am trustworthy, so that leaves her to address her basically shunning me. I do not see it as something I did, because I know I was generous, and we always shared a mutually beneficial relationship, until I needed something that required her to consider my needs. Then, it was over. I am so excited to hold space for how this will unfold well either way. I am only opening my door to Love, and this feels awful in my body, cold to be denied clarity and to have a great exchange cancelled with anger, and coldness, and….I trust my needs are valuable to me, and they are flexible to a degree, but she was very uncomfortable addressing my needs at all. I have only known her to be kind, supportive and inclusive, generous and loving, but I now see we are at a new turn on the spiral. Aloha!, Claire

Dr. Northrup,
I truly appreciate your guidance and validation. I am an RN and in the Ph.D. Mind-Body Medicine program. My destiny is to be of service. I want to open my own practice/wellness coaching in the future, but I’m very afraid of my unstable energy. I am an empath but not as energetically charged. My mother is an energy vampire – I’m 40 years old and just beginning to heal and discover who I really am. I’ve always been looking for love and acceptance outside myself – pregnant at 16 years old, a survivor of emotional and physical abuse, child abuse, and married a person just like mom but only more aggressive and volatile. I’ve had EMDR for a few of my PTSD events, but the origination and root of it all, hasn’t healed. I’m an only child and there isn’t anyone else to be there for my parents. I live 10 minutes away from them. I’ve thought about moving far away but can’t leave my dad. I have several health issues and I believe it is related to this relationship. How can I move forward without guilt? I wish there can be “no contact” – just enough time to heal. Please help.

I am glad to have a term to refer to the characters that have encircled me since birth – energy vampires. No wonder I swoon with grief, sadness and slow pulse sometimes. My Dad, wounded and soulfully sad and mad definitely started the cycle as I wondered why my love did not help him. I would pray for him to be happy, to get what he wanted and one day (at about 9) when he told me not to show him my f…ing report card as he did not care I seemed to fall through the floor. How did I learn to protect myself and become secure in who I am….Well, it’s been a lifelong struggle to get it right. Resourceful, intelligent, courageous and referred to a a motherly leader, I am always seeking to understand how I can self-empower, buck up my juicy feelings that tend to the negative. I wish I could trust others and myself. I became a hypnoththerapist but that just showed me evidence, built awareness but did not change me. I get to see sub-c beliefs but not really change them forever. I went through 2 husbands with similar narcissistic tendencies, breast cancer (ah ha…got to nourish me now gift), huge financial losses due to trusting the wrong persons again, unsolicited assault (whoa on why that happened in my 40ies) and raised my daughters on my own and got them both through university. I have stayed on my own for 18 years now cause I was attracting what I need to heal…and well, what do you expect if I am not there yet. I plugged into the 4 video clips just in time to witness myself in a very one-sided female friendship that is again symptomatic of the vampire syndrome! I have now put up my shields and the clips gave me permission. I am 60 but remember Christiane saying life starts at 60 in some book or talk or other! I am thinking I truly have to routinely practice success principals (Making Life Easy suggestions) to get out of this funk before it is too late. I am encouraged that there will be clues to understand and alter circumstances in the upcoming course on Dodging Energy Vampires…To Thank Ms Northrup I will endeavour now to apply the concepts and reread Making Life Easy! I relate to you Ms Northrup, your intelligence, sensitivity, courage and strength and see the beauty of being exactly ‘you’! I am in on the this one! Would there be a counsellor program to help others in this manner…could I do this work! I think this is something I would love to do! Let’s see where this concept leads! xo to the Energy Vampire Dodgers, Jane

I just wanted to say that im so glad someone is writing and speaking about this. I’m a medical intuitive empath and home health aide and it’s been really challenging at times. This happens mostly with people i dont know who i run into casually. Usually i can tell right away. And my strategy is to remove myself or create distance, if we are in the same room.
A few months ago my relative came by with a friend, stayed overnight. But the whole time they were at my house, i experienced extreme fatigue , a headache, and i could not concentrate. I kept thinking maybe one of the or both were on some kind of meds. But what was even stranger, was after they left , the house still had this gloomy vibe that lasted just about 3 days. Or maybe it was myself that had absorbed as well anyhow, i did my own clearing/cleaning out for the house and myself. Usually exercise/diet plenty of water helps and cures that.
My question is why was it so extreme? And are there other techniques of protecting myself?

Dear Doctor Christine, first of all, thank you so much for doing these enlightening videos, now I understand why light bulbs explode from time to time or why when I touch certain persons some electricity appears!!!
I realized I feel represented by all the super treats you explained in the first video and of course I’ve known some vampires, these videos have been truly informative,

As I was listening in your video I felt guilty because the first few year I was struggling with my vampire relationship I feel that I turned into a vampire myself. I was draining my friends as I was looking for an answer. They would give me advice that I would never follow, they got very tired of me, I was exhausting them with my problems. I definitely suffered from PTSD. When you are into depression it is like no one can help you. Fortunately I got help and learned to change. I wanted to share that because there is a ripple effect to what a vampire does to someone. It can affect your friends, family member and children.

How have you protected yourself?
I have been married to an emotional vampire for 15 years. It took me many years to figure out what the problem was and as an empath I was trying to fix the situation. But in a sense I was lucky because I had already worked on two of the traits that makes the empath vulnerable to vampires:
1. We want to be accepted. As it turns out I am not a people pleaser
2. We don’t want to hurt another person’s feeling. As an empath I am very careful not to hurt other people’s feeling and if by inadvertence I do it is because they are already wounded and I am not responsible for that.
3. We believe our love and care can help other. That I definitely suffered from. But I joined a help group and by working on changing myself I understand now that it is not my job to change others. My job is to take care of myself.
Two things happened when I refused to be drained:
1. My husband found another woman to use for energy
2. He never divorced me and is still baiting me to this day but I know what he is doing. (thanks to your video I understand why now)
I was from another country when I married him, I am 65 now and financially I cannot divorce him. But I have learned to protect myself, I am not weak anymore and I don’t let anyone manipulate me.

Christine, I thank you and very grateful!!! and wish I had found you earlier…everything in it’s time I suppose…I finally got away from my Vampire husband, did not recognize my vampire daughter who eventually abandoned me after draining me emotionally and financially, then vampire sister pretended to wanting to be there to help and to discover yet another and took on a part-time job with (boss) another…”I kept asking why is GOD putting these people in my path…HE was only trying to open my eyes to it I now realize, when I recently awoke to Kris Carr invitation to your free 4 part videos on the topic. Wow! eyes wide open! and here I am tracking down your free 4 video series and sharing with others I believe to be empaths. I have know for a while I am an Empath and all the characteriscts match. My daughter was diagnosed with “borderline personality disorder” and though I felt being drained by her, I felt no one will be there for her and I was a single parent so could not abandon her. Training on how to deal with her, only seem to give her more power (enable) and leave me powerless. Donald Trump’s behaviour then reminded me of some of my daughter’s and sister’s traits, and recall my daughter once telling me the front part of her brain not developed properly… I decided to look up narcissistic and sociopath, as these terms seem to be popping up in my world…oh my! Sad and disappointing to realize I cannot help or save these individuals but work on rebuilding my energy and life…so I can continue to shine my light!

Thank you again for your good works and opening my eyes! Thank you to Kris Carr for sharing.

Your advice for empaths and energy vampires will always be timely. I resigned from a good job a couple of weeks ago (barely 3 months into it) because the boss was stealing my energy by spiking my adrenaline several times a day. She would then be on a sugar high of satisfaction while I struggled to stay awake. The third energy vampire in a year! The good news is that I had to speak up for myself. The bad news is that I had to speak up for myself. This one was so intense that my speaking became more hoarse and was often truly speechless.
As empaths we don’t understand why being considerate isn’t valued by the suckers who get their energy by viewing us as their adversary. And yes, the EVs are very complementary in the beginning to reel us into their webs.
I’ve ordered your new book, Dodging Energy Vampires. Thank you for putting your experience in writing since my energy not only stops watches, it stops your videos on all my devices at different locations…

Dr Northrup,
i am so glade to find you even there is distance because i live in Canada and i am a single mother of 13 years old son am not working don’t have good friend i feel lost and lonely was so frisking out about my life and know exactly who i am juste i need some help from you. I been with people whose abuse me for more then 20 years and i had a depression anxiety and so one i went trough a lot now i ready to take good care of myself
I wandering if there is possible chance to be in touch with you so i could explain more have more advice from you.

Thank you Dr. Christiane Northrop for sharing your videos on Energy Vampires! My ex-husband called me recently after 15 years of divorce. He remarried a woman who has 3 kids and is very unhappy. After all of these years, my ex asked me to forgive him for the pain & trauma he caused me during our marriage. Following our call, I felt really weak, afraid & kept crying. During our marriage, he was verbally & emotionally abusive, yelled, cursed & criticized me. I am an EMPATH who is loving, giving & always did my best to obtain counseling to help him heal. I also went with him to consult with my Rabbi for spiritual guidance. Nothing worked after I tried EVERYTHING to help my ex & ended up divorcing him due to fear that he may physically harm me! I left & never returned! Now after 15 years, he suddenly reappeared & I became extremely sick, depressed & felt my joyful, positive energy was totally sucked out of me! Although he remarried, he wants to reconnect & communicate with me. I know this is not healthy. He said he recently had a religious experience & prayed for me. I am confused by all of this & don’t know what to believe? I’m now regaining my health & strength after this experience so I can move on. Would you please inform me if there is a technique to help cure a man with this terrible disease or do you recommend a therapy approach with medication?

Your ex is trying to manipulate you because he says he is unhappy. That’s not your fault or responsibility to fix his problem. He is using tactics to sway you and win you over. His words are nothing but lies.
Stay the course and keep him out of your life otherwise it will cost you immensely.
Christine

I agree with the other 2 replies. Your body is speaking loudly and clearly to you. It’s the unhealed parts of you that are gravitating toward getting sucked in by his energy. Google Melanie Tonya Evan’s “3 Keys” free webinar. Mel T. Evans is the one who recommended Christiane Northrup’s work to me. I wish you well. Let us stand, grounded in our Light.

First Thank You! for helping me to become aware of empath/energy vampires. I related to so many descriptions stories in your book, sadly your description of em-path health issues as well, but I felt set free from my self doubts and actually felt really proud of myself, realizing that some how I have self taught or learned so much from dealing with energy vampires early in childhood, maybe from birth. As a child I was able to know before physical abuse happened and I would run and hide. A teenager I recognized sexual predators without any logical explanation. I was able to protect myself, unfortunately I was not able to protect others because my vibes were considered lies, drama, weird and crazy and energy vampires knew better how to charm and manipulate better than I have ever been able to convince others. I have learned to set boundaries, I have learned tough love is still love, I have learned to feel the fear of rejection and say stop or No anyway, I have learned my fear of conflict kept me selling my peace at any price. My fear of abandonment, fear of conflict, ridicule, kept me involved, along with my willingness to sacrifice myself for someone that was a victim being used as a pawn to manipulate. I am 60 years old now and I am so thankful to recognize the gift being an em-path has given me, I am even feeling thankful for the experience energy vampires have taught me. After reading your book I finally understand myself, I feel self acceptable, I am finally able to let go of self doubt that there was something drastically wrong with me. I am coming out of hiding and on my healing way! My question is why do em-path pick up on negative energy more often than positive such as happiness?

Dear Dr Northrop,Yes, I have been in relationship with vampire for 25 years.Its horrific to realize that . It’s so emotional and at the same time so empowering to know the truth. It’s all to YOUR wonderful service to me and others like me.What a freedom. THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART. Love Maria

OMG, I am right in the middle of the overwhelming process of getting rid-off of my EV, which means kicking him out of my house (he used to rent it from me for the past year while I already moved to another city) and taking away 2 vehicles from him he convinced to put in my name while dating, and continue using while we were already broken up for the past 1 and a half years. Now, even though overwhelmed with the financial responsibilities and tasks I need to do to cut him off completely, with 120K cash less in my account (he was supposed to give this back to me a while ago…), drowning in 2 extra car payments and an extra mortgage for the house he used to rent, I still am starting to finally feel powerful and “taking control of my life back” from someone who was running it with a billion empty promises, giving just enough in return whenever I wanted to leave so I would stay, so he could continue using me for his own best interest. Not mine or even “ours as a couple”…

I was just telling my friend this weekend that “its so hard for me because I just assume of everyone that they are good.” It was very very hard to accept that he isn’t just having a bad day, or too much to deal with, too many problems, family members dying, business tanking, ex wife, etc etc to deal with.. He PLAIN DOES NOT CARE about me (even though he says he does) but himself only!

And all the manipulation and emotional abuse… (besides the financial)…. oh, boy… For me realizing that its all manipulation was so hard to face and accept… He is a master of turning things around and making me be (and feel) the bad person!!

Anyways. I am grateful for finding this article, specially when in the midst of “sucking up my financial losses and years I wasted on him” and trying to move on… This article just ensured me I am not crazy and I am doing the right thing with cutting him out of my life. A very very costly and painful chapter of it…. Thank you Dr. Northrup and everyone for their feed-backs.

Hi Christine, I just had to leave a comment about your wonderful first video from the free wellness workshop and am unable to join facebook as there is an energy vampire stalking me.
This particular EV has Asperger’s Syndrome – a congenital condition which leaves them unable to empathise. Empatheticals (my word), therefore, are like magnets. Unlike psychopaths, narcissists, etc. they present themselves to the outside world as gentle creatures obsessed with railway timetables, but the reality of a relationship with them is devastating and destructive, made worse because nobody believes you.
I regularly contribute to a forum for ASpartners, and would be grateful if you could suggest a link as I believe your work will be life changing for its readers.
It has been three years since I managed to escape and am still in the process of rebuilding myself – even after only your first video, it feels so good to have my true self confirmed, no doubt you can sense my joy and gratitude!

Hi Pamela sorry to hear what you went through. I was also married to an asperger’s and grew up with an asperger’s father as well. What you said about how they present themselves to the outside world as gentle creatures is just crazy I saw it big time and living with them is very devastating and destructive. Would be great to connect if you want I think is very helpful to speak with someone who has been through this, I have not had any people to connect with as I am not in the US where there are more groups for that. My email is cajet81@yahoo.com. Would love to hear from you. Thanks! Rose

I own a business and l have an employee that has a very strong vampire energy, she only communicate with my partner the most. At her shift the minute she starts l sense her bad energy. I learned that she lies, always talk behind other employees she ignores everyone except my partner. I know that she doesn’t like me careless. How should I protect my self from this type of people. She is the trouble maker at my business. How should I protect my self from her.

Fire her. If her performance isn’t professional it could undermine YOUR business acumen. In business people talk and she very well could cause problems for you down the line.
That’s just MY personal opinion.
Hope it helped some.
~Arosa, a fellow Empath

I just started your course on Empaths and Energy Vampires. Thank you so much Dr. Northrup for making this available. It came via email exactly when I needed it. I have known about being an Empath all my life but your explanation is simply the most complete I have ever seen. I am excited to learn more and I thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us. Let the healing begin

Dear Christiane,
Bravo for diagnosing this enormous and debilitating interpersonal disease, and with such authenticity and clarity. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your gift. You have no doubt saved many lives and much suffering,

Hi Dr Christine,
Thank you so much for all this information about energy vampires.
I got married to one, at the age of 18 ( and moved overseas, away from my family).
I was so slow to waking up to what was happening, that the “ wake up” basically happened 14 years into our marriage and 7 kids later ( 4, among them are twins, were unplanned).
I love my kids dearly, and feel God has helped me tremendously, with everything though.
After we’ve moved about two years ago to Israel ( which was my dream, and I fought for it, he was comfortable latching- and receiving complete financial support- unto his parents forever), the “Wake up” slowly started.
I feel I might ask to leave this marriage very soon, Because it’s making me literally ill ( I already have hashimoto’s for 12 years, now eczema problems)
I can’t continue in this toxic relationship it will be very hard to leave, but I realized it will be equally hard to stay.
Luckily I have my parents back and support.
Better to wake up late than never, and my beautiful kids I will never regret.

I am so happy to have run across this comment section. I can see myself in so many past and present situations. It broke my heart to have to disengage with my sister because she was an energy vampire. I0 years younger than I am, I practically served the role as mother to her, taking her to live with me every school holiday break and the entire summers. I still think of her often and send blessings every night for her health, wealth, and happiness. Even so, I have removed her from my life. Her toxicity was so overpowering I knew I had to severe ties. Thank you all so much for sharing your story. Thank you Christiane for your love and support.

About 11/12 yrs ago I realized I needed Boundaries to protect me from my husbands family. He was very angry..but I held my own.

Twice in my life I had worked in mental health and somehow stopped long enough to realize I was being so ill treated by family members.

Now realize I am a dyed in the wool Empath is amazing. I was one in Kindergarten.

Will have to research the difference between an “enabler” and an “empath”! As I use to teach on the undergrad and grad level and wonder if that allows some of us educators to be more venerable.

Helping and being supportive without being pulled over the edge is a learned skill I think.

Today after too many deaths, crisis, losses and my husband living elsewhere for his job, and a son who is vaccine Injured I am still alive.
The saying that we learn more through adversity or failures is so on target.

Because of life’s challenges and being too close to what I now have learned today…escaping my own daughters “vampire” skills it is amazing how the path opened up and I saw it and took it.
For those of you who have “Blended” families it is extra hard. Bouncing all of the balls is exhausting, demanding and overwhelming most of the time. Family dynamics are never taught in school nor is parenting.

The link to the videos on how to learn more about the different Empaths did not work. So can someone post a link?

Found this group through Dr Kelly Brogan. She is a real gem.

Just a note for those on the healing path..diet meaning foods and chemical sensitivities can and do have a huge impact on your gut and brain.
Heal the gut and it is easier to deal with the needed transitions to a full happy new beginning.

Systems models sometimes help me find a new path to leave something I need to let go of.
Giving myself permission to not explain why I have created a boundary to protect myself is part of the artwork in my life practice does help it get easier.

Taking the time to redraw your life map instead of clinging to the old map drawn for you at age 5 is a much needed process.
When I finally realized how creative I was and what an “original art work” I had become and that my soul is an off grid being it all came together.

And who care who likes or dislikes you?
My husband and children have the rights to be who they need to be, I do not need a “mini me” or people who agree with me.
Movies and TV tend to program us and lend to the controlling of our minds. I turned TV off 7 yrs ago and don’t miss it.

You have all added to the quilt pieces of my life today.

Thanks for sharing.

A broken plate can not be glued back together, but used to make a mosaic that is even more beautiful.

It’s like I found a new home for my mind today. Wow wow and wow!
I have been on this mind body and soul healing now for about 6 months. It is like a dance, don’t always know the steps but willing to learn.

I just listened to your presentation on Energy Vampires on The Tapping World Summit and preordered your book. My husband and adult daughters are all empaths. I am too as a “I must save everyone” sort of person, though I do it through logic and thinking and they are all feelers. Can an empath also be an energy vampire? I see my husband, in trying to fix others and himself (bad childhood) try to manipulate me into doing more than I want to do for him and for others. It’s as if he can’t do enough to help so he recruits me. I am a sucker for being guilted into things. Where is the line between being “we are all humans who are here to help each other”, and “I have rights and needs too”?

Thank you so much for this information. It’s great to finally have a reason for what has been going on for so long. Any advice on how to deal with having a daughter who is an energy vampire? She is self harming, possibly depressed and is very manipulative etc. I am beyond exhausted but can’t walk away. Help!

Hi Christiane!! I enjoyed your interview on the tapping summit☺️ My daughter is very intuitive, the most intuitive and empahtic in her Class, I Think. She is just 10. For 2 yrs there has Been a vampire Girl in the class. I have always Been the sensing one in my Class and at work, and I am Sure about This. Everything turns around her, class mates are insecure, sometimes desperate to stay in her spine, and drawn to it. She has Been hard on my daughter, two periodes, going after her Best Friends. That What she does. She wants to be the center of everything and she doesn’t allow others to be close to the popular Friends. And she Lies and just uses all methods to get What she wants. And she controls the others with her anger Or ignoring Them for days, weeks. Would you have some advise to us around a situation like that? As an empath this has Been keeping me awake a lot I am trying to remember how strong my daughter is and trust and all that. And Holding my light, and supporting jeres and she is so good at that. And she is good as keeping a distance and staying connected to her Friends, even though it is tricky. My daughter says, that she is not sure, the teachers knows about it, because the vampire charms them and lies. And talks behind the back off others etc.
I guess This is the first lesson in life on This. And I offcourse is very aware of Holding the light as much as I Can. But noticing that it freaks me out a bit every time I see the vampire im action, and I have often found myself frozen, because it seems so surreal “did that just happen?” And thats What she does. So I haven’t directly talked to the teachers. I thought it was so obvious, that they Would
Know, but offcourse it isn’t when they are around.
Big hug and love and Thank you for your work!! I am a spirituel doctor and very inspired♥️♥️Ida

Thank you so much for your wonderful work! I have preordered your new book on Energy Vanpires, and just listened to your wonderful introduction to Empaths and Energy Vampires through your special offer. FABULOUS!!!!!! Spot on! Thank you for the validation, and valuable recommendations.
My question is : Why/ how is it that these EV are so predictable? With seemingly the same characteristics/MO … it’s like they all went to the same school. Any ideas?

Please contact Hay House customer service. If you are in the US or Canada, here is the number to call:
(800) 654-5126 Ext 1. They should be able to help you with specifics related to your pre-order question.

Hi! I have been called an empath. However, it all has to do with energy. It has taken me decades to realise that every person I meet either needs my help or I need them. Student/ Teacher realationship is interchangeable as an adult. My past experiences are relevant to understanding how to heal myself and to share that knowledge. Spirit guides/ angels literally push people into my happiness. However, it is my responsibility to be focused and centered. That is my challenge. 🙂

I think there is a certain magnetism between empaths and energy vampires unfortunately.
Givers attract Takers, and as you have previously said Christine they seem to have a malignant sixth sense and home in you.
.
I feel like I have been plagued by these types (EVs) and continue to both attract them and (sorry to say it) but be attracted to them. I also .had narcissists in my family.
I think there can be a level of addiction to these people which, as I become aware of I can consciously say no thank you.

As a child it was a roller coaster ride of being put down by these people and then hopelessly trying to gain their approval.

Thankfully much more material is coming to light now and I study this to make myself more aware.
As Empaths we are challenged by this and can become wiser and recognize them much quicker.

I never used to like to think badly of people and would rationalize those gut instincts and want to believe the best.
Now I say oh oh heres ANOTHER one, and have become tougher at actually ignoring them despite the pull to be
socially “nice”.(If they are in your community)

Boundaries are a big issue here and if EV’s teach you one thing it is to have Very strong impermeable boundaries.

Your understanding of this dynamic is truly remarkable. And you have hit the nail on the head. Each of us must learn to TRUST our gut even when we can’t prove what we feel. And even when these “ charmeleoms” are working their dark magic!

Thanks for this post and book. I first listened to this term “energy vampires” in your Hay House World Summit talk and bought the program. Your talk was the one I re-listened every time I doubted my intuition about finalizing the relationship with my energy vampire husband. I felt I was living in limbo for so many years, not achieving my goals and growth but just trying to make things work in the relationship, with poor success. Your talk comforted me and gave me the certainty that my intuition was right, although it seemed the wrong thing to do. Thanks to you and the help of family and friends and therapy I was able to leave this toxic relationship and finally divorce him. It’s been a tough time for my kids, but I finally have peace with myself and am regaining my strength.

I love hearing this. For the first time in many years I am reading things and hearing talks that sound exactly like what I have gone through. After 32 years of marriage I had my eyes opened but it still has taken me three years of going through cycles of outlining my boundaries, expectations and what I needed to change then him responding with just enough to give me hope then me to realize he was going back to the same pattern then me going over again what I need and then him giving a little more, and so on and so on…. Finally I said three years is enough and started the process to file for divorce and told him. Right now he is pouring it on so thick and working so hard to convince me I am wrong and he has had his wake up call and is a changed man. I need to stay grounded and move on but he keeps me in turmoil and a constant state of self doubt – thinking maybe this really is the time he will change. I think I need a support group. Is there such a thing?

My mother was/is an energy vampire, so is my fathers other daughter. I have had the “blessing” (ha) of having these women in my life, and have only recently blocked them from contacting me. I start a “daughters of narcissist mothers” support group in two days, see a therapist regularly, and am learning how to say no to all energy vampires, even the ones I considered friends. Its a life-long endeavor. Thank you for this post.

My mother was/is an energy vampire, so is my fathers other daughter. I have had the “blessing” (ha) of having these women in my life, and have only recently blocked them from contacting me. I start a “daughters of narcissist mothers” support group in two days, see a therapist regularly, and am learning how to say no to all energy vampires, even the ones I considered friends. Its a life-long endeavor. Thank you for this post.

My take is that an empath is a sensitive, giving person who often attracts an energy vampire who sucks the emotional life out of them. My daughter was victim to a few of those vampires and the last time she was strong enough to get out of that escalating abusive situation and moved across the world to protect she and her unborn baby! She is a better woman for it and a great, devoted Mom!

Great blog! I am looking forward to the book. It is my experience that some of the people who believe that they are empaths are actually more on the ‘energy vampire’ end of the spectrum. It seems to me that being able to ‘feel the energy’ in a room does not make you an empath. My definition of being an empath is that you have the ability to see the world through the eyes of another. You may or may not agree with their perspective, but you have the ability to see and understand from their perspective. Just being able to ‘observe and feel the energy’ can be a real opening to tap into the energy and use it for your own benefit.
Thank you for this thought provoking discussion….now I must think 🙂

You are absolutely correct that many energy vampires are incredibly skilled at reading the energy of others for personal gain. I’ve seen this repeatedly. They also use all the “right” words to convince you that they understand you. Their charm and manipulative skills can be extraordinary.

I think a key distinction for us to make when deciding who is a vampire for us is by asking ourselves if they are they for us as fully as we feel we need to be there for them. I am wrestling with this now with both of my living family members because I don’t want to lose them in my life with so many of my family now deceased.
I think I might put up with more than I normally would because of that fact but it sometimes takes a very heavy toll on my energy and peace of mind.
Still not totally clear about the point of balance for me but am working on getting clearer.
Thanks for the clarity and support! Thanks Dr. Northrup for this topic!

The best way is NO CONTACT.. This was my FB post today! I read this after… Spot on!

Raw and personal thoughts from the Mind of Mimi

Removing all the images of an Ex on FB is never easy. It has been a painstaking few days, and FB doesn’t make it easy. Yes, over 700 images of the past three years, gone with the click of a button. Even though my relationship ran its course and I knew it was time to let go for good, the gut wrenching process is still never easy. It should have been done months ago, but bringing oneself to remove so many images of memories that you made over the years seems so brutal. Those closest to me, who road that roller coaster ride, have always been so supportive, even when I would slip and fall back down. For this I say thank you for your true compassion, understanding and love.

Some would say “Keep them”, they were part of your life but I say No! This on again, off again relationship was not kind on my heart and I need NO reminders of someone who cared very little of my needs, my boundaries or my soul. We have been done for a while, but he had a way of always keeping me at arm’s length. Giving me just enough to keep my heart from completely healing.

A pattern… A cruel and manipulative “trick” of the true narcissist.

Now that the “task” is complete I feel a huge sense of relief. A new woman rises from the ashes. Stronger, wiser and finally free. If there is one thing that I can take away from my time with him is this. Never let anyone give you less then you deserve and never spend time with someone who is not willing to give in return what you put in. We are ALL worth it, we ALL deserve it.
Never settle………….. And most of all… Love yourself!

Thank you for this, Mimi. You are so not alone! You’re strong and smart and your sharing this, like Dr. Northrup has done so brilliantly and courageously and kindly, has been so deeply healing for me that it can barely be expressed in words. Most relevant word: Ahhhhh! I hope and pray you too are healing, going through your process with self care, self compassion, and ease. For a gorgeous work of art and historical coping with this phenomena of narc/nrg vampires, see the movie ‘Phantom Thread,’ if possible.

I was in a 9 year relationship with an energy vampire/covert narcissist. I knew there was something wrong with why I was staying with him because of all that I was putting up with. But the love-bombing and the deep connection I felt to him made it very difficult to end it completely. I did journal regularly throughout the relationship and in these journals would share the information I was intuitively receiving, as well as, his outrageous behaviors and how I was trying to find a way to make all of it make sense somehow. What turned the corner for me finally was realizing, that regardless of what he said and how seemingly deeply and tearfully he would state his thoughts and feelings, we were not of the same kind. We did NOT feel the same. We did NOT hold the same values. I believe he did deeply WANT to be like me, but he truly had no desire to do the personal work to get there. It was as if he was living off of my goodness/light in an attempt to cover his selfishness/darkness. When I realized completely and fully what a sham the whole situation was and that he was NEVER going to change or substantially be any different, I was good to go. I was able to go back and read my journals and it was all there. I had stated this over and again. I also had dreams that I had recorded that dealt with him that also pointed to this emotionally devoid state that was him. Additionally, I worked with a shamanic healer and did some soul retrieval work in order to cut energetic ties and bring back parts of myself. I highly recommend this to anyone.

I was married for 25 years to an EV. He was mentally ill. I finally found the courage to leave. Now, my youngest son has bipolar 2, and is very needy. I do my best to set boundaries, but he goes on impulse much of the time. I cannot divorce my son, obviously. But I do find myself drained by him. I wish I knew if this is bipolar behavior, or if he does have a personality disorder. His diagnosis has consistently been bipolar 2. Can you speak to other trypes of mental illness, and how to set boundaries with high impulse people? Thanks.

So, help me with this, my partner has two kids of his previous marriage and they do not like me, they actually hate me. He went on a trip with them and somehow he starts acting wierdly. If my partner says to me, I love you but you really take things to unbelievable dimensiones. When I was just asking him to answer the phone in a educated manner. And after that he says to me, but I always miss you when I am not with you. The first thing makes me so angry and when he says he misses me I start doubting myself, I think “am I really exagerating???”

Wow, I recently realized that a woman have been friends with for about 4 years is an energy vampire. She was kind and loving at the beginning and seemed to care a great deal about me. Then she started doing and saying negative things all while claiming to be supportive, breaking promises and never having a good response as to why. I am an INFJ, extremely emphatic and a 9 in Enneagram, which means I am a peacemaker, In the past I have had difficulty standing up for myself with certain people and not knowing why only certain ones. I have started to sever connections with this woman, which is difficult as our social circles are connected. I have decided that I can make new friends and enjoy life without her. I am blessed to have another great friend (these 2 have never met) who understands energy vampires and my husband both of whom are supporting me through my separating from this energy vampire. One interesting thing was when I told her I was leaving her life and why she said that she knew that she was that way! I am not sure she understand to what extent and I am not going to try and find out! I am concerned about a young woman who she is starting to treat the same as she did me, this young woman’s ex-husband is narcissistic. I am not sure she would even listen to a warning. I am starting on a new path of self care and even though I am a very trusting and giving person will be alert for this in the future.

One of my readers forwarded this link to me because I have a published mystery wherein the villain is an energy vampire. The inciting premise of Dadgummit came about due to interaction with people who drained my energy. Of course, in none of the real-life accounts is an energy vampire as deadly as my fictional one.

I am surprised at people’s reactions to the term energy vampire but yet at appearances where I’ve explained the term they are nodding their heads. Invariably, many come up to me and tell me about the energy vamp in their life. So nice that you’ve got an entire book coming out on the subject.

Reading these stories are so heartbreaking. I want to lean into the screen and give you all a big hug and say I see you and I wish you so much happiness for your future. It is so hard but so worth it (I know). Vampires are toxic to your health and soul. Sending you love.

Hi Beautiful Community! Yes I was raised by a energy Vampire, a women who has spent her life ,75 years sucking the life out of everyone she encounters. She’s a sociopath, charming, smart and very likable a master of her traits. As a child, I learned the word
Filicide, as I thought she would eventually kill me, but she was too cleaver to allow the bruses, the nail marks, thr kicks to my head to show. The emotional and energy brutality was more difficult to take. As adults the three of us have tried to keep her out of our lives, but she continues to try to destroy us. She called Police on my younger brother and said that he had stolen her credit cards, so that she wouldn’t have to pay for gifts she sent to his children. She called his job and said that she witnessed him steal, he lost his corporate position. My older brother who is a well know surgeon has suffered her wrath of brutality when he was young since he is three and five years older than us.
Last year asking for my forgiveness and pleading to visit under the guise that she found religion and spirituality I allowed her to come to my home. For two weeks, she was the mother that anyone would want, then the roof fell in on us. She called the police on us and said that we were abusive . Growing up with this behavior, I didn’t imagine that she would do this at 75 years old. The police didn’t believe us, even though my husband is a retired Federal officer, and my brothers wrote statements. A charming old woman in distress was more believable… We went though her abuse for 6 months, she would walk by me and tell me that I’m ugly and old, that she heard my husband telling his friend that he was having an affair. Meanwhile we were visiting colleges and filling out applications and trying to protect ourselves from her murdering us in our sleep. She put bleach in a water bottle and ran to try to stop me from drinking it, just enough to let me know what she was up to. Daily,, I prayed and called for spiritual help and on the day we moved our daughter into her dorm she had movers come in and take most of my things, clothes, shoes, jewelry and photographs. I know that these are only possessions, she tried to hurt me by leaving me naked forcing me to fight her, and take her to court. I didn’t I refuse to give her my power. Her maternal attempt to eat her own has come to a final end. We are a happier and healthier family, my brothers and I our closer, my daughter understands how blessed she is and I’m grateful for all of it. She had three children who love others, who care for the environment, who have made a positive impact on society. By surviving her, the world could only become more beautiful!
Blessings and Love,
Gina

Dr. Northrup thanks for shining the light on my my marriage. I am married to a narcissist husband who has begun to brainwash my 13 year old son and is trying to do the same with my 10 year old daughter. When I say brainwash, he is in some indirect manner been turning my kids against me to the point where my son disrespects me and is has hostility toward me. It is so very disheartening to me because we were once so very close. At first I wasn’t sure what happened. But being the empath, HSP that I am I have really began toncoonect to my intuition. I have asked my partner to seek some help but of course there is no accountability and lack of responsibility. I am fighting to get out of this toxic environment but I feel pretty beaten down emotionally and in regards to self esteem. He has use financial exploitation over me to control me and keep me from leaving. I also had a narcissistic mother. Help! Please let me know what type of therapist could help me through this.

@ Heidi, I am in the same situation with a husband with BPD (borderline personality), my mom also has BPD (of course) and the children, 9 and 7 are hostile towards me and constantly fighting. It is heart breaking but the thought of their dad getting them 50% of the time without me there frightens me. I am slowly waking up and gaining control, which makes him fight even harder and more crazy. Deep spiritual work and journaling has helped me.

This so reminds me of a man I was engaged to and lived with for years and what would have happened if I stayed with him. He proposed to me and then started saying I didn’t fold the towels squarely enough and he couldn’t marry me because of that. There was so much more and I felt I could fix it because it didn’t make sense. I believed the core of him was good. Years later he impregnated someone else and blamed it on me. Destroyed all my belongings when I left and blamed all of it on me. It destroyed me. Get out while you can or at the least get help for you both to work on the marriage. Best to you as you find your own path

12 Step meetings can help. And are free. There are an increasing number of therapists who understand character disorders. Check out http://www.melanietoniaevans.com. Also the work of Sandra Brown who wrote Women who Love Psychopaths. Also.. please realize that you are far more powerful than you think you are. Above all, DO NOT try to convince anyone about this person. Change your behavior and get out!’

Thank you so very much for bringing this understanding to light. I have been married to a covert aggressor for over forty years and have practically driven myself out of my mind trying to figure out what I do or don’t do that makes him flip out so unexpectedly. I am a middle child from a family of six children and thereby, keeping peace has always been my MO. Thanks to your passing remark one day in an interview with R.H. I have started to understand. After you mentioned briefly about the difficulty with being married to a narcissist and what a bad idea that was, I researched the term and ultimately read “In Sheep’s Clothing” It was a real eye opener. The information from you in today’s blog is also very helpful. It provides me with some tools and some hope that I may be able to get though this and keep some sort of sanity and self esteem. I don’t really want a divorce after so many years. I have no career other than caring for my children and husband. I realize, on some level, that I keep myself at a point of borderline depression at all times because if I don’t allow myself to live at the joyful level I had always felt, the shorter fall is much less painful when he knocks me down. I know that if I allow myself to be really happy he will find a reason to beat me down. I have learned how to survive at the expense of not really living. I realize that for the first many years I had the love of my parents, five siblings, children and dogs. As these loving supports leave this realm I feel more and more desolate. I am really looking forward to your new book which I ordered yesterday and the accompanying course. Thankyou for all you do for all of us. It is appreciated more than you know.

I was also in your situation, and was helped tremendously by reading and understanding the book, “Why Does He Do That – Inside the Minds of Angry Controlling Men” by author Lundy Bancroft – PRICELESS!!! I was so shocked when I finally had to admit to Myself! about what my experience with him really was – what an eye-opener!!! Do yourself the favour of checking it out and I wish you all the BEST, sister!
Sending warm hugs to help get you through – there is great love for you here…xox

Reading this is reminding me of how far I’ve come! I used to be surrounded by energy vamps… at work, at home, in my family, in my network of close friends… But over time (and thanks to a terrific therapist) I learned how to raise my vibes, nourish my soul and protect my optimism and joy. As a result, the energy vamps sort of dropped away from my life… they couldn’t handle the light I was bringing. Now, I have not a single energy vampire in my orbit. Not one! Your advice is spot on, and I can report that vampire-free living is blissful!

I agree, I have a vampire college/friend, that is terrible. She claims me and jumps unannounced into my room “come, let’s go for a walk”. I have come to dislike her so much. I am two months busy moving backwards, she doesn’t even notice.

My mother was an energy vampire who destroyed our family by lying, triangulating, playing favorites and denigrating her children. It was impossible to ever be good enough for her. All my life, I had lived with this creature who would suddenly swoop down on you with a vengeance over something you didn’t even know you had done. I was a high achiever and as as long as I was “winning” she would torment another one of us. There were six of us children, and all of us were damaged by her. One of us was always at the top of her “list” and sad to say, the rest of us would be relieved it wasn’t us. As an adult in my 50s, my husband helped me to realize that I didn’t have to put up with her abuse. I severed all ties with her, my health improved and when she called, my husband told her to leave me alone. When she died, I didn’t go to her funeral. One sister didn’t either; one brother went, but sat with friends. The three children who had clung to her, even though they clearly hated her, now constitute “the family.” The three of us who escaped consider ourselves survivors,

Thank you SO much for sharing this story. Our culture always tells us that “ you’ll miss your parents when they are gone”. And in some cases. Like yours.. this is simply NOT TRUE. Their departure is a relief. And being told “ but it’s your MOTHER” when you detach. Is just plain invalidating!

I was physically abused 7 weeks after giving birth to our second kid. For some reason he was trying to make everything about himself. The new baby and my attention and love showed to this new addition seemed to make him angry and jealous. It happened a year ago and I can say that I am still healing. I didn’t realize how much I was being manipulated. I use to love myself and set necessary boundaries. But I can say now I’m working on getting back to me. As an empath I have to protect my energy. Thanks for this read. I don’t feel so alone in my journey.

Yes… my mom fits this description . I’ve struggled with this for decades of my life . It is getting easier since I now how an understanding of this illness .

My defense has been my knowledge , wisdom and compassion for this illness. I’m getting better saying no instead of the knee jerking yes. I notice when I do say no or I’m not interested in talking , she explodes and the blame , shame and gaslighting happens . Then , I disengage . Give it space and try again at another time .

That’s where I am now . It’s not an option for me to right her off in my life . So, finding a healthy way to Stay connected to her . Limiting contact when it’s unhealthy has helped . Since , I realized this was occurring , I learned how to manage my own emotions , respond instead of react , set healthy boundaries , know my triggers and buttons and how to speak my truth . Ive discovered so many things about myself . I learned how to turn the pain into personal victories 🙂

Several times over the years I have been blindsided by close family and friends to whom I have been very kind and generous. The sense of betrayal made me feel devalued as a person. Devastating. Somehow reading this post helped me move forward by realizing how prevalent these “vampires “ are, and that it’s not a personal failure (that I’m not good at relationships). Thanks for your insights!

I’m in a 35 year marriage to a narcissist and now that I’ve wakened up and have recovered enough self-esteem to get good therapy, I think of my self as a living example of what NOT to do–ie. keep trying to fix a spouse who is irretrievably broken. If I’d had this much clarity at 35, I know I would have divorced him and perhaps had a chance at a happy life with a man who respected me. I might even have had a child and be looking forward to grandchildren.

But I was kept off-balance by intermittent verbal and emotional abuse and I stayed. And now I’m 71 and cannot bear the stress and heartbreak of losing my beloved house and being forced to move away from my support network. We live in one of the most expensive areas of the US and I couldn’t keep the house and still have enough to have the kind of life I want, with travel and gardening and books…lots of books.

So please, please, if you’re in a relationship with one of these broken people, resist the urge to help them and run like hell. And find a therapist who’s experienced in dealing with abuse survivors.

I remember when I was 33 and had the strength to look hard at my insufferable marriage and then project where I would be 10 years from then if I did nothing. That 10 year glimpse into the dreary future if I didn’t act was so intolerable that I took all the steps to get away from him, divorce, go back to school and have a good life. The point I want to get across to you is at that time I remember thinking that I’d rather live in a box (yes, literally that’s what I thought) than stay in that nice house with him. So yes you might be in an expensive nice neighbourhood but is it worth it? Yes you’re 71 and not “young” but you don’t have one foot in the grave either. So maybe think about making your last couple of decades quality ones!

I am really struggling, I think my daughter is an energy vampire, it is so very difficult to distance myself from her, by doing so I distance myself from 3 granddaughters ( one of whom I brought up till she was 4) . She really turns extremely nasty for no reasons, lies about most things, even when there is no reason to lie. When things are calm she appears kind and thoughtful but I darent let her help or do anything to help because she would then use it like a weapon against me. Any advice would be wonderful. Thank you xx

This was a very interesting article. Most days I feel so drained by my partner and I can’t even figure out what is wrong. He is a good person but everything I ask him to do he always has to make sure he does the opposite.For example, I had just cleaned the stove and that same day after he made popcorn there was oil everywhere because he forgot to cover the corn on time which I have told him a million times. I asked him to pay his medical bill more than 5 times, he forgot until he got legally served. Constant mini assaults and he changes for a few days and then goes back to the same pattern, I cry, I yell and he stops, makes promises, says he listens then starts again. I have given up and I try not to say much but if this is the price to have a good man in your life I really rather be alone in this world. The sad thing is he apologizes and every time just says it’s not intentional, he just forgot but It happens frequently with some many issues, I feel so drained by him even though I care deeply for him. At this point, I have built in resentments with all the micro assaults he does but I blame myself because I think my standards for cleanliness/order are just higher than his but I just wish he would just cooperate if he loves as much as says. When I try to talk to him about serious issues he dismisses it as my hormones, he has to run to work or me being too sensitive or bitchy.

He has diabetes and has never been compliant plus I have to push him by a thousand to take a walk or go to gym. At this point, I feel like a vampire has sucked my life.I use to run and make healthy meals but now I have stopped caring. I had dated much in my youth and met every cheater, liar in NYC and when we met I finally thought I had found love and the peace I deserved but now I have even stopped being physical with him. I have gained weight, lost my job,the daily stress ups and downs of arguments for little things. Healthy eating/ cooking arguments have gotten so big I gave up on him and us and I stopped cooking altogether because I got tired of having to be the only one caring, getting vegetables, planning the meals and encouraging healthy living. The resistance has caused much apathy in me.In all fairness, I lost a lot this year too even my abusive mom ended in a nursing home due to alzheimers but I have what is left of myself and an angel guide dog. I also bought an apt in nyc in my 20’s that is now worth doubled. There are days i feel like selling it and running away to finally live life again.
We are young I am 49 and he at 50 almost died of a stroke, the stress with him, is killing me yet I have no family, children or friends and I justify it because he doesn’t hit me, cheats on me, and he in other ways shows so much love. He hand made me a sunflower wood garden that brought tears to my eyes becuase he knows I love sunflowers. I am very confused but I know how my body feels and there are so many days I wish I wasn’t around for another. Sorry to say this but it’s the truth, I never had a kinder more harm causing partner in my life.Maybe he is just an emotional vampire like in the movie they allure you with love and kindness for the occasional ultimate sacrifice of your soul and body. Anyone else with a kind person who it feels like it’s killling you? Any pointers? What should I do? Should I leave and be happy with never having another love? I realize I matter too but after 8 years I still pray for a miracle somehow he changes. He is after all a good person, maybe I am just fooling myself?

fooling yourself.
you cannot change him.
my heart is broken over my husband, who is also a good man, but has no respect, admiration, support or concern for me. and HE left ME!! i’m not good enough. or maybe i’m TOO good for him (which I am), and he feels threatened by me, so i had to go.
but he had to be the one to do the leaving.
a narcissist can never be at fault. i have years of recovery ahead of me.
good luck and God bless you.

Good and useful article, however, I feel that the term energy vampire needs to be reframed. Now that I am trauma informed, I find the term to actually be quite derogatory. Someone who is an energy vampire is likely someone who has undiagnosed developmental trauma and is seeking to co-regulate with another because they didn’t have the opportunity to learn to self regulate on their own at a young age. Learning this gave me a lot of compassion for the individuals that I once referred to as energy vampires. Removing my judgement went a long way in relieving my symptoms in their presence.

I appreciate this information. I work with a team of energy vampires. Although I am an eternal optimist, I find myself feeling drained, upset and depleted after being surrounded by them. My interaction tends to occur weekly but as an empath, it takes days for me to fully recover. Thanks for clearly stating self-protection should be the primary goal because now it is at the top of my list. I like the strategies you listed. At times, I physically leave the space for moments at a time. I drink lots of water during the “witch hunt” sessions I’m subjected to. I also daydream and write positive affirmations during these half day meetings.

Ah, yes. An entire side of my family is full of these vampires…who are quick as quick can be to deflect the blame on to others for their own actions…will even blame children and punish them for crimes they themselves committed!
Took me years to realize this and step away. Once I stepped away, I heard nothing but really terrible things from 3rd parties about myself, my daughter, my chosen friends…the barrage was absolutely insane. I just keep my head high and kept saying ‘ you’ll see, I’m telling you, stay away from these people or they will suck you in to their whirlwind of abuse, lies, manipulation, control, tantrums, etc etc…’
They’re mad as hell I stepped away… because I have the energy they sooo desire.
But…my life has improved dramatically since I stepped away. Everything from my relationships, to finances, to my quality of life, to my health and happiness have been much improved since I then.
In fact, it’s improved so much that I am finally able to work through my heavily abusive childhood and actually solve issues through the use of tapping. I love tapping and it has seriously helped me more in the last year than 10+ years of talk therapy ever did!
And more and more doors keep opening for me! My intuition is on fire! I only trust my gut and it never steers me wrong.
I am so grateful for this new shot at life, the life I am meant to have and am worthy of! You’ve definitely had a hand in that, and I truly appreciate you and your work, Dr. Northrup! Thank you!

I’ve recently separated from one. Practising the “no”, and re-building myself.
Days are up and down, and as we have a child together, he will never be completely out of my life.
I have a good support system, and a good friend that really gets it.
I moved out of our home 2 1/2 weeks ago, and I knew I would have a long way to go. Now that I’m out, I realize more the extent of this way.

Realizing he was a narcissist and energy vampire did a great deal in protecting myself – i.e. reading about what I’ve actually been going through, and going through the days with that knowledge. It still hits though, and even if I never forget that this is who he is, he will manage to catch me off guard.

Thank you for this post, excellent timing as always 🙂 i work for a narcissist/ energy vampire and he is the hopefully the last of many that i have worked with. I say the last as i believe the reoccuring pattern comes from trying to ‘understand and save’ my father and sister who are both evampires. I’ve realised it, but I’m not sure how to break it as i still feel so much compassion for them all, i know that’s unhealthy but i do. I feel like if they only felt understood and loved at their most vulnerable moments that they would then grow. Then i snap out of it and distance myself as much as i can. What would be your thoughts on this? I’m ready to break the pattern, just not sure how 🙂 🙂 thank you so much!! Much love, Rebecca

I’m betting you have the insight and the tools to continue to protect your energy from your boss, father and sister. In case Christiane doesn’t respond to you, I feel you’re perhaps looking for validation from another compassionate person. For someone to say “Rebecca, you’re ok, you’re doing a good job protecting yourself”. There. I said it. In case Christiane doesn’t respond, hopefully this’ll make you feel validated!

I am so very grateful for you Dr. Christiane Northrop! Your light, beautiful presence in this world and Divine support has got me through my sometimes depressing and scary journey. I am an empath to the highest degree. I have become a massage therapist and board certified Poarity Therapist I have used and continue to use ancient and modern techniques to clear and protect myself and help other sensitive souls. I have 2 brilliant and relentless vampires in my life. My mother and daughter. I use to have 3. My now ex husband which is now living in same condo complex as me with his girlfriend and her children. I’m like really God”. What’s up with this?? My daughter and her boyfriend and my beautiful 9 mo grandson are living with me ( until they can afford their own place) and also my 19 year old Son who is my savings Grace in my life! I have done everything for my daughter to prove to her I love her and to make up for divorcing her daddy and displacing her from her house now I am in financial crisis and am still expected to hold it all together. I am now reading your newest book Making life Easy also Emmanuel Dagher Easy Breezy Prosperity. I surround myself constantly with your emails and blogs and other high vibrating teachers and masters of unconditional love! This is my savings Grace! Thank you for being there and shining the light and showing us the way home. Blessings always. ❤️⭐️

Watch the miniseries Dr Foster. Illuminating for all healers. And put yourself and your needs FIRST! Eventually this will change the dynamic..clamp the cord on your giving to those who can’t reciprocate. Simple Not even close to easy!!!

Wow! What timing!!! Hits me in the core. When these vampires are professional persons it is even harder to leave as everyone around you look at you as if you are ungrateful and not supportive. Yes I live with one and I am in the process of leaving.It has been a long road and the end is no where in sight

I’m an INFJ with and extremely honed sense of empathy. My last relationship was with a narcissist with sociopathic traits. I’m a little over a year of no contact and just finally starting to heal from the 3 year ordeal. In reflection I see that this is not my first intimate relationship with a narcissist, but this is has been a pattern for me.
Working daily with clearing my energy of others energy and listening to my intuition, even if it doesn’t make sense at first, has been essential to my healing.
Really great stuff here in this article. I’m so glad to see this topic being openly discussed further and helping empaths gain back their lives.

I was married to an energy vampire for 20 years. I thought I was the problem the whole marriage. Everything was wonderful the first few years. Years later I realized the amount of lies being told. I would wake up after rolling out of bed in the middle of the night half asleep sitting crouched on the floor because I wasn’t sure who I was sleeping with in my own bed. It took me years to finally realize that was my intuition saying that something was wrong.

As many of you likely know.... it is tough to have family members that are energy vampires!

Thank you for this wonderful post, Christine. So timely.
My sister is a narcissist with an undiagnosed borderline personality disorder. I recently had a HUGE falling out with her as I am no longer willing to let her drain my energy because she feels empty. It doesn’t even help her and it is a dynamic (with her and others) that contributed to a 7 year chronic illness of mine. The cost of my health is not worth walking on egg shells and paying an ‘energy toll’ to keep the relationship on ok grounds. Either she will do some growing and we can have some sort of a relationship, or not. I am just happy to be free of the toxic dynamic.

Ava your story resonates with me my sister was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder over 12 years ago at my insistence after I read an article that described her to a T. The emotional toll that she has caused our family over the years would take too long to express, I had suffered for years as the empath taking in all her garbage until I sought professional help to allow myself to draw those boundaries with her. It’s ok to let go don’t walk on those eggshells hang in there !

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Listen as I explain how your thoughts, beliefs and emotions can have specific health consequences. Plus, learn why your intuitive understanding of your body is as important as a doctor’s assessment. And, get my tips for promoting health and well-being.

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Your genes are not your destiny. In fact, your genes cause less than 10 percent of all disease. Your beliefs, along with your relationships, the food you eat, the air you breathe, the way you handle stress, and many other internal and external factors, are what trigger how your genes get expressed.— Christiane Northrup, M.D.

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